If there is a long list of unfamiliar names at the end of the list of ingredients, they are probably additives and indicative of how highly processed the food item is. Many of these are sources of concern such as the artificial sweetener aspartame (E951), sodium benzoate in soft drinks, sodium nitrite in processed meats like sausages, potassium bromate in bread, sulphur dioxide (E220), blue, red and yellow food dyes in candies, cold drinks, cakes, icing and so much more, and butylated hydroxyanisole/butylated hydroxytoluene (BHA/BHT or E320), which is used to preserve the oil in chips, snacks and cereals so they taste fresh for a longer time.
When you think about all of this, it sounds scary. And honestly, it is. We must reclaim our food and our health, in our own kitchens.
So what’s the solution? Mindful shopping, mindful cooking and mindful eating.
